Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to impaired insulin production or function. Common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and unexplained weight loss. The causes of diabetes vary by type, ranging from genetic and autoimmune factors to lifestyle and diet. Based on International Diabetes Federation (IDF) data from 2021, Indonesia ranks fifth globally with an estimated 19.5 million diabetes cases.

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition where glucose builds up in the blood because the body’s cells cannot absorb it properly. This occurs because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not respond effectively.

This condition is generally divided into two main types, along with their characteristics and treatments:

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells. It is usually diagnosed in children or adolescents. Patients with this condition strictly require lifelong insulin therapy.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Occurs when the body becomes insulin-resistant or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. It is strongly linked to lifestyle factors. This condition can be managed through diet, exercise, oral diabetes medications, or insulin.

Health research indicates Indonesia is in the top 10 countries with the highest type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence globally, at 10.9%.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Diabetes

Recognizing early diabetes symptoms and prevention is highly crucial.

The most common characteristics of diabetes include:

• Frequent Urination (Polyuria): Especially at night.
• Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Due to fluid loss from frequent urination.
• Extreme Hunger (Polyphagia): Cells cannot get energy from glucose.
• Unusual Fatigue: Lack of energy as sugar accumulates in the blood.
• Slow-Healing Wounds: High blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels.
• Blurred Vision: Fluid levels in the eye lens change.

Characteristics of Diabetes at a Young Age

Characteristics of diabetes at a young age are often unnoticed. Additional symptoms include:

• Dark patches on the skin (Acanthosis nigricans).
• Decreased concentration due to chronic fatigue.
• Drastic weight loss.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus and Risk Factors

The causes of diabetes mellitus are influenced by genetics and lifestyle.

1. Lifestyle and Obesity: Excess weight triggers insulin resistance.
2. Poor Diet: Consuming diabetes-causing foods, like high-sugar and refined carbs.
3. Genetic Factors: A family history significantly increases risk.
4. Lack of Physical Activity: The body doesn’t efficiently use glucose.

The Threat of Complications: Latest Research Data (Diabetic Retinopathy)

Globally, 1 in 3 diabetes patients experience diabetic retinopathy. Research in Jakarta shows:

• Diabetes prevalence in Jakarta reached 3.4% in 2018.
• About 18% of people with diabetes in Jakarta have diabetic retinopathy.
• 19% of those cases are vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR).

Conclusion

Understanding diabetes, its early symptoms, and causes is the best preventive step. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding diabetes-causing foods is key. If you experience symptoms, consult a healthcare facility immediately.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can diabetes be cured?

It cannot be completely cured but can go into remission through lifestyle changes and medication.

2. What are the signs of a healing diabetic wound?

Reduced redness, swelling, drying out, no pus, and new healthy pink tissue growth.

3. What vegetables should diabetics avoid?

Limit starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and squash.

4. What fruits should diabetics avoid?

Avoid canned fruits in syrup, dried candied fruits, and fruit juices with added sugar.

5. What is gestational diabetes?

Diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, usually resolving after childbirth.

Sumber Referensi:

1. International Diabetes Federation (IDF). (2021). IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th Edition.
2. Lestari, Y. D., Sitompul, R., Widyahening, I. S., et al. (2026). “Evaluating diabetes and diabetic retinopathy healthcare services in Jakarta, Indonesia: current challenges and opportunities for improvement.” BMC Health Services Research.
3. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. (2018). National Basic Health Research (Riskesdas).